Leylah Fernandez
{{Short description|Canadian tennis player (born 2002)}}
{{use dmy dates|date=February 2021}}
{{Infobox tennis biography
|name = Leylah Fernandez
|image = file:Leylah Fernandez (2023 DC Open) 02 (cropped).jpg
|caption = Fernandez at the 2023 Washington Open
|full_name = Leylah Annie Fernandez
|country = {{CAN}}
|residence = Boynton Beach, Florida, U.S.{{cite news |title=cndtennis profile |url=https://www.cdntennis.ca/leylahanniefernandez |website=cndtennis.ca |access-date=28 February 2020 |archive-date=28 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228214921/https://www.cdntennis.ca/leylahanniefernandez |url-status=live |last1=Tennis |first1=All Things Canadian}}
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|2002|9|6}}
|birth_place = Montreal, Quebec, Canada
|height = 1.68 m
|turnedpro = 2019
|plays = Left-handed (two-handed backhand)
|coach = Jorge Fernandez
|careerprizemoney = $6,103,788
|singlesrecord = {{tennis record|won=202|lost=131}}
|singlestitles = 3
|highestsinglesranking = No. 13 (8 August 2022)
|currentsinglesranking = No. 27 (3 February 2025)
|AustralianOpenresult = 3R (2025)
|FrenchOpenresult = QF (2022)
|Wimbledonresult = 2R (2023, 2024)
|USOpenresult = F (2021)
|Othertournaments = yes
|Olympicsresult = 3R (2024){{cite web |url=https://www.olympics.com/en/paris-2024/athlete/leylah-fernandez_1972636 |title=FERNANDEZ Leylah |work=Paris 2024 Olympics |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240730135643/https://www.olympics.com/en/paris-2024/athlete/leylah-fernandez_1972636 |archive-date=30 July 2024}}
|doublesrecord = {{tennis record|won=86|lost=61}}
|doublestitles = 0 WTA, 2 ITF
|highestdoublesranking = No. 17 (23 October 2023)
|currentdoublesranking = No. 31 (3 February 2025)
|AustralianOpenDoublesresult = 3R (2021, 2025)
|FrenchOpenDoublesresult = F (2023)
|WimbledonDoublesresult = 3R (2024)
|USOpenDoublesresult = QF (2023)
|OthertournamentsDoubles = yes
|OlympicsDoublesresult = 2R (2024)
|WimbledonMixedresult = 2R (2023)
|USOpenMixedresult = QF (2022)
|Team = yes
|BJKCupresult = W (2023), record 11–3
|updated = 7 February 2025
}}
Leylah Annie Fernandez (born 6 September 2002) is a Canadian professional tennis player. She has been ranked as high as No. 13 by the WTA on 8 August 2022. Her best doubles ranking is world No. 17, achieved on 23 October 2023. Fernandez won her first WTA Tour title at the 2021 Monterrey Open. As a 19-year-old, she finished runner-up at the 2021 US Open to fellow teenager Emma Raducanu, defeating three top-5 players en route to the final, including defending champion Naomi Osaka.
Fernandez played a pivotal role in Canada's first-ever Billie Jean King Cup win in 2023, defeating Jasmine Paolini in the final.
Early life
Fernandez was born in Montreal, Quebec. She attended École secondaire Antoine-de-Saint-Exupéry. Her father Jorge is from Ecuador and is a former football player. Her mother Irene (née Exevea) is a Filipino Canadian.{{Cite web |title=Roland-Garros : le titre juniors pour la Canadienne Leylah Annie Fernandez |url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Tennis/Actualites/Roland-garros-le-titre-juniors-pour-la-canadienne-leylah-annie-fernandez/1027428 |access-date=2021-03-15 |website=L'Équipe |language=fr |archive-date=7 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907204012/https://www.lequipe.fr/Tennis/Actualites/Roland-garros-le-titre-juniors-pour-la-canadienne-leylah-annie-fernandez/1027428 |url-status=live}} Her younger sister Bianca is also a tennis player.
Career
=Juniors=
On 25 January 2019, as a 16-year old, Fernandez reached the Australian Open girls' singles final, where she lost to the top-seeded Clara Tauson.{{cite news |title=Canadian Fernandez loses to top seed in Australian Open junior final |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/tennis/canadian-fernandez-loses-to-top-seed-in-australian-open-junior-final-1.4994190 |access-date=28 January 2020 |publisher=CBC |date=25 January 2019 |archive-date=25 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190225070630/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/tennis/canadian-fernandez-loses-to-top-seed-in-australian-open-junior-final-1.4994190 |url-status=live}} On 8 June 2019, Fernandez defeated Emma Navarro in the French Open final to become the first Canadian female winner of a junior Grand Slam title since Eugenie Bouchard at the 2012 Wimbledon Championships,{{cite news |title=Canadian Fernandez wins junior title in Paris |url=https://www.tsn.ca/canadian-leylah-annie-fernandez-wins-junior-title-at-french-open-1.1318765 |access-date=9 June 2019 |agency=The Canadian Press |publisher= |website=TSN.ca |date=8 June 2019 |archive-date=9 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190609062618/https://www.tsn.ca/canadian-leylah-annie-fernandez-wins-junior-title-at-french-open-1.1318765 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/1447680/fernandez-sweeps-past-navarro-to-seal-roland-garros-girls-title |title=Fernandez sweeps past Navarro to seal Roland Garros girls' title |publisher=Women's Tennis Association |accessdate=13 December 2024}}{{cite web |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/tennis/news/french-open-2019-canada-leylah-annie-fernandez-girls-singles-title/vlra8330osk133v6062p3t9y |title=French Open 2019: Canada's Leylah Annie Fernandez takes girls' singles title |publisher=The Sporting News |accessdate=13 December 2024}} a victory that earned her the world No. 1 junior ranking.{{Cite news |last=Hickey |first=Pat |date=11 June 2019 |title=With a Grand Slam junior title, Leylah Annie Fernandez has met one of her three goals this year |work=Montreal Gazette |url=https://montrealgazette.com/sports/tennis/with-a-grand-slam-junior-title-leylah-annie-fernandez-has-met-one-of-her-three-goals-this-year |access-date=11 August 2023}}
=2019: Professional debut=
On 21 July 2019, Fernandez won her first professional singles tennis title when she rallied to beat fellow Canadian Carson Branstine in the final of the Gatineau Challenger! Fernandez also won her first professional doubles title on the same date when she teamed with Rebecca Marino of Vancouver. The pair defeated the second-seeded team of Marcela Zacarías of Mexico and Hsu Chieh-yu of Taiwan.{{cite web |url=https://montrealgazette.com/sports/fernandez-sweeps-titles-at-gatineau-tennis-challenger |title=Leylah Annie Fernandez sweeps titles at Gatineau tennis Challenger |author=Pat Hickey |website=Montreal Gazette |date=21 July 2019 |access-date=24 October 2019 |archive-date=28 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190728181345/https://montrealgazette.com/sports/fernandez-sweeps-titles-at-gatineau-tennis-challenger |url-status=live}} The following week, she made her second consecutive ITF final in Granby,{{cite web |url=https://montrealgazette.com/sports/fernandez-sweeps-titles-at-gatineau-tennis-challenger |title=Laval's Fernandez defeats Montrealer Abanda to reach Granby final |author=Pat Hickey |website=Montreal Gazette |date=28 July 2019 |access-date=24 October 2019 |archive-date=28 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190728181345/https://montrealgazette.com/sports/fernandez-sweeps-titles-at-gatineau-tennis-challenger |url-status=live}} losing to Lizette Cabrera of Australia.
=2020: Major debut, first final on WTA Tour=
Fernandez made her Grand Slam debut at the Australian Open. After qualifying, she lost in the first round to Lauren Davis.{{cite web |url=http://www.thesuburban.com/sports/laval-s-fernandez-makes-grand-slam-debut-at-australian-open/article_12687e66-8251-57e6-9614-8ad53703e3a6.html |title=Laval's Fernandez makes Grand Slam debut at Australian Open |author=Mark Lidbetter |website=The Suburban |date=23 January 2020 |access-date=28 January 2020 |archive-date=28 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128182455/http://www.thesuburban.com/sports/laval-s-fernandez-makes-grand-slam-debut-at-australian-open/article_12687e66-8251-57e6-9614-8ad53703e3a6.html |url-status=live}}
She achieved the biggest win of her career the following week in the 2020 Billie Jean King Cup qualifying round against world No. 5, Belinda Bencic.{{cite web |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/tennis/leylah-annie-fernandez-canadian-teenager-fed-cup-1.5458927 |title=Canadian tennis starlet Leylah Annie Fernandez confident after stunning Bencic |author=Gregory Strong |publisher=CBC |date=10 February 2020 |access-date=29 February 2020 |archive-date=28 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228235349/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/tennis/leylah-annie-fernandez-canadian-teenager-fed-cup-1.5458927 |url-status=live}}
In late February, at the Mexican Open, she qualified and reached her first WTA Tour final, losing to world No. 69 Heather Watson.{{cite web |url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/1631090/watson-battles-past-fernandez-in-acapulco-for-fourth-career-title |title=Watson battles past Fernandez in Acapulco for fourth career title |publisher=Women's Tennis Association |accessdate=13 December 2024}} A week later, she defeated fifth seed Sloane Stephens to reach the quarterfinals of the Monterrey Open,{{cite web |url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/1635919/fernandez-conquers-stephens-to-reach-monterrey-qf |title=Fernandez conquers Stephens to reach Monterrey QF |publisher=Women's Tennis Association |accessdate=13 December 2024}}{{cite web |url=https://www.eurosport.com/tennis/wta-monterrey/2020/tennis-news-stephens-shocked-by-17-year-old-fernandez-in-monterrey_sto7693921/story.shtml |title=Tennis news - Former US Open champion Stephens shocked by 17-year-old Fernandez in Monterrey |publisher=Eurosport |accessdate=13 December 2024}} losing to top seed and eventual champion, Elina Svitolina.{{cite web |url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/1637816/svitolina-sweeps-past-fernandez-into-monterrey-semifinals |title=Svitolina sweeps past Fernandez into Monterrey semifinals |publisher=Women's Tennis Association |accessdate=13 December 2024}}
In October at the French Open, Fernandez reached the third round, first by upsetting 31st seed Magda Linette in the opening round,{{cite web |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/tennis/tennis-french-open-roundup-may-28-1.6857298 |title=Leylah Fernandez tops Poland's Magda Linette in 1st round of French Open |publisher=CBC |accessdate=13 December 2024}}{{cite web |url=https://www.montrealgazette.com/shopping/personal-care/article46225.html |title=Laval's Leylah Fernandez beats Magda Linette in first round of French Open |publisher=Montreal Gazette |accessdate=13 December 2024}} and then defeating Polona Hercog,{{cite web |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/tennis/news/french-open-2020-leylah-annie-fernandez-advances-third-round/1a0hu2n2si4iv15v5yfg1kinh3 |title=French Open 2020: Leylah Annie Fernandez unstoppable, advances to third round |publisher=Sporting News |accessdate=13 December 2024}} before losing to seventh seed Petra Kvitová, in straight sets.{{cite web |url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/1851994/kvitova-contains-fernandez-in-roland-garros-comeback |title=Kvitova contains Fernandez in Roland Garros comeback |publisher=Women's Tennis Association |accessdate=13 December 2024}}
=2021: First WTA Tour title & US Open final=
Fernandez began 2021 without consecutive wins in her first four tournaments. However, in March at the Monterrey Open, she won her first four matches to reach the final, defeating Viktorija Golubic to win the first WTA Tour title of her career. At 18 years old, she was the youngest player in the main draw, and won without dropping a set during the tournament.{{Cite web |url=https://www.tennis.com/news/articles/18-year-old-leylah-fernandez-captures-first-wta-title-in-monterrey |title=18-year-old Leylah Fernandez captures first WTA title in Monterrey |website=Tennis.com |access-date=8 September 2021 |archive-date=8 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210908002419/https://www.tennis.com/news/articles/18-year-old-leylah-fernandez-captures-first-wta-title-in-monterrey |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Canadian teen Leylah Annie Fernandez wins Monterrey Open, captures 1st WTA title |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/tennis/tennis-leylah-annie-fernandez-monterrey-open-final-1.5958477 |access-date=22 March 2021 |agency=The Canadian Press |publisher=CBC Sports |date=21 March 2021 |archive-date=8 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210908214857/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/tennis/tennis-leylah-annie-fernandez-monterrey-open-final-1.5958477 |url-status=live}}
At the US Open, Fernandez became a fan favorite due to her success as an underdog.{{Cite web |url=https://www.cbssports.com/tennis/news/us-open-2021-womens-final-emma-raducanu-wins-first-career-grand-slam-in-magical-run-to-final-as-qualifier/live/ |title=US Open 2021 women's final: Emma Raducanu wins first career Grand Slam in magical run to final as qualifier |date=12 September 2021 |access-date=12 September 2021 |archive-date=12 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912032324/https://www.cbssports.com/tennis/news/us-open-2021-womens-final-emma-raducanu-wins-first-career-grand-slam-in-magical-run-to-final-as-qualifier/live/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=McCarten |first=James |title=Leylah Fernandez's sparkling U.S. Open run ends as Emma Raducanu claims fairy-tale finish |website=CBC - Sports |date=11 September 2021 |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/tennis/us-open-leylah-fernandez-emma-raducanu-final-sept-11-1.6172676 |access-date=13 January 2025}} She defeated the third seed and defending champion, Naomi Osaka, in three sets in the third round,{{cite web |url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/2243448/canadian-teen-fernandez-ends-osaka-s-us-open-title-defense-in-third-round-stunner |title=Canadian teen Fernandez ends Osaka's US Open title defense in third round stunner |website=WTA Tour |access-date=4 September 2021 |archive-date=4 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210904022647/https://www.wtatennis.com/news/2243448/canadian-teen-fernandez-ends-osaka-s-us-open-title-defense-in-third-round-stunner |url-status=live}} former world-number-one and three-time major champion, Angelique Kerber, in the fourth round, in three sets,{{Cite web |url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/2244650/canadian-teen-fernandez-stuns-kerber-to-reach-first-major-qf-at-us-open-sabalenka-sweeps-to-victory |title=Canadian teen Fernandez stuns Kerber at US Open to reach first major quarterfinal; Sabalenka sweeps to victory |publisher=Women's Tennis Association |access-date=6 September 2021 |archive-date=6 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906005903/https://www.wtatennis.com/news/2244650/canadian-teen-fernandez-stuns-kerber-to-reach-first-major-qf-at-us-open-sabalenka-sweeps-to-victory |url-status=live}} and fifth seed Elina Svitolina in the quarterfinals, again in three sets, to reach her maiden major semifinal a day after her 19th birthday. She then defeated Aryna Sabalenka, the second seed, to reach her first major final{{cite web |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/tennis/article/canadas-leylah-annie-fernandez-beats-aryna-sabalenka-reach-us-open-final/ |title=Canada's Leylah Annie Fernandez beats Aryna Sabalenka to reach US Open final |date=9 September 2021 |website=Sportsnet.ca |agency=Canadian Press |access-date=10 September 2021 |archive-date=10 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210910020638/https://www.sportsnet.ca/tennis/article/canadas-leylah-annie-fernandez-beats-aryna-sabalenka-reach-us-open-final/ |url-status=live}} and also the first player born in 2002 to reach such a final. It was the third time in the Open era that a woman defeated three of the top five seeds at the US Open.{{citation needed|date=September 2021}} In the final, she lost to fellow teenager Emma Raducanu, in straight sets.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/58533341 |title=Emma Raducanu wins US Open by beating Leylah Fernandez for maiden Grand Slam |date=12 September 2021 |publisher=BBC Sport |accessdate=14 September 2021 |archive-date=14 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914084236/https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/58533341 |url-status=live}}
File:Fernandez RG21 (47) (51376940739).jpg]]
Fernandez then made her Indian Wells Open debut as the 23rd seed. She first beat Alizé Cornet in the second round and French Open finalist Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the third, before suffering an upset in round four by Shelby Rogers.
At the end of the year, Fernandez was given the Bobbie Rosenfeld Award by the Canadian Press as its choice for Canadian female athlete of 2021.{{cite news |title=Leylah Fernandez named CP female athlete of the year |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/tennis/leylah-fernanez-cp-female-athlete-of-year-1.6299183 |website=CBC Sports |date=28 December 2021}}
=2022: Monterrey title, WTA 1000 doubles semifinal=
Fernandez started the season at the Adelaide International where she advanced to the round of 16, in which she was defeated by Iga Świątek, in straight sets.{{Cite news |date=6 January 2022 |title=Swiatek thrashes US Open finalist Fernandez |work=France 24 |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220106-swiatek-thrashes-us-open-finalist-fernandez |access-date=21 March 2022}} She lost to Maddison Inglis in the opening round of the Australian Open as the 23rd seed.{{Cite news |date=18 January 2022 |title=Australian Open: Swiatek makes stuttering start, US Open finalist Fernandez bundled out |work=The Hindu |url=https://sportstar.thehindu.com/tennis/australian-open-womens-singles-results-scores-halep-inglis-swiatek-muguruza-raducanu-kerber/article38285893.ece |access-date=21 March 2022}}
In March, Fernandez defended her Monterrey Open title, reaching her fourth final and winning her second career title. Beating Anna Karolína Schmiedlová, Zheng Qinwen, Wang Qiang and Beatriz Haddad Maia to reach the final, Fernandez won against Camila Osorio in three sets, saving five championship points in the final set.{{Cite web |title=Osorio, defending champion Fernandez sweep into Monterrey final |url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/2517710/osorio-defending-champion-fernandez-sweep-into-monterrey-final |access-date=2022-03-06 |publisher=Women's Tennis Association}}{{cite news |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/sports/canada-s-fernandez-fights-off-5-match-points-outlasts-osorio-in-monterrey-open-final-1.5808111 |title=Canada's Fernandez fights off 5 match points, outlasts Osorio in Monterrey Open final |work=CTV News |publisher=Bell Media |date=7 March 2022 |accessdate=7 March 2022}} She also entered the doubles competition with her sister, Bianca Fernandez. They lost in the first round to Elixane Lechemia and Ingrid Neel.{{cite news |last=Rivard |first=Paul |url=https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/rivard-fernandez-and-fernandez-in-monterrey/ |title=Rivard: Fernandez and Fernandez in Monterrey |work=Tennis Canada |date=2 March 2022 |accessdate=7 March 2022}}
Fernandez subsequently entered the Indian Wells Open. Receiving a bye in the first round, she advanced to round three after a retirement from Amanda Anisimova. In her third-round match, she won the second-set tiebreak and defeated Shelby Rogers in three sets, before losing to defending champion Paula Badosa in the fourth.{{cite news |url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/2534964/badosa-holds-off-sorribes-tormo-sets-fernandez-showdown-in-indian-wells-r16 |title=Badosa holds off Sorribes Tormo, sets Fernandez showdown in Indian Wells R16 |work=WTA Tour News |publisher=WTA |date=15 March 2022 |accessdate=15 March 2022}} In the doubles competition, partnering with Alizé Cornet, the pair reached semifinals losing there to eventual champions Xu Yifan and Yang Zhaoxuan.{{Cite news |date=17 March 2022 |title=Fernandez, Dabrowski lose tough semi-final matches at BNP Paribas Open |work=Tennis Canada |url=https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/fernandez-dabrowski-lose-tough-semi-final-matches-at-bnp-paribas-open/ |access-date=21 March 2022}}
In May, at the French Open, Fernandez beat Olympic champion Belinda Bencic and 2019 French Open semifinalist Amanda Anisimova in the third and fourth rounds, respectively, before losing to Martina Trevisan in the quarterfinals.{{Cite web |title=Canada's Leylah Fernandez eliminated in French Open quarterfinals {{!}} Globalnews.ca |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/8881880/leylah-fernandez-eliminated-french-open/ |access-date=2022-05-31 |website=Global News }}
A Grade-III-fractured foot acquired during her quarterfinal match with Trevisan forced her to miss Wimbledon, after a first-round exit the previous year to Jeļena Ostapenko.
At the Canadian Open, Fernandez lost in the second round to eventual finalist Beatriz Haddad Maia.{{Cite web |date=2022-08-10 |title=Canadian tennis star Leylah Fernandez out of National Bank Open |url=https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/canadian-tennis-star-leylah-fernandez-out-of-national-bank-open-1.6022106 |access-date=2022-08-18 |website=Montreal}} At the Cincinnati Open, she lost in the first round to Ekaterina Alexandrova.{{Cite web |title=Anisimova ousts Kasatkina; Fernandez upset in Cincinnati first round |url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/2745149/anisimova-ousts-kasatkina-in-cincinnati-opener |access-date=2022-08-18 |publisher=Women's Tennis Association}}
Fernandez entered the US Open seeded 14th. In her opening round, she defeated Océane Dodin, before losing to Liudmila Samsonova. With the loss of most of her points from reaching the final last year, Fernandez fell outside of the top 30.{{Cite news |last=Schlecht |first=Neil |date=31 August 2022 |title=Samsonova upends returning finalist Fernandez at the 2022 US Open |work=US Open |url=https://www.usopen.org/en_US/news/articles/2022-08-31/samsonova_upends_returning_finalist_fernandez_at_the_2022_us_open.html |access-date=1 September 2022}} In the doubles draw, pairing with Daria Saville, she reached the second round, and with Jack Sock in the mixed doubles the quarterfinals.{{Cite web |date=30 August 2022 |title=US Open 2022 Mixed Doubles Draw |url=https://www.usopen.org/en_US/scores/draws/2022_XD_draw.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220901185945/https://www.usopen.org/en_US/scores/draws/2022_XD_draw.pdf |archive-date=1 September 2022 |access-date=1 September 2022 |website=Usopen.org}}{{Cite web |date=29 August 2022 |title=US Open 2022 Men's Doubles Draw |url=https://www.usopen.org/en_US/scores/draws/2022_MD_draw.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220901190124/https://www.usopen.org/en_US/scores/draws/2022_MD_draw.pdf |archive-date=1 September 2022 |access-date=1 September 2022 |website=Usopen.org}}
=2023: French Open final, top 20 in doubles, BJK Cup win=
File:Taylor Townsend and Leylah Fernandez (2023 French Open) 02.jpg at the 2023 French Open, where they reached their first major doubles final]]
Fernandez started the season by reaching the quarterfinals at the Auckland Open.{{Cite web |agency=The Canadian Press |date=2023-01-06 |title=Leylah Annie Fernandez falls in straight sets at ASB Classic quarterfinals |url=https://www.tsn.ca/tennis/leylah-annie-fernandez-falls-in-straight-sets-at-asb-classic-quarterfinals-1.1902380 |access-date=2023-01-20 |website=TSN}} At the Australian Open, she won her first-round match against Alizé Cornet. In the second round, she lost to world No. 4, Caroline Garcia, in a hard-fought match, having set points in both sets.{{Cite web |last=Canada |first=Tennis |date=2023-01-19 |title=Fernandez goes down swinging in Australian Open loss to Garcia |url=https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/fernandez-goes-down-swinging-in-australian-open-loss-to-garcia/ |access-date=2023-01-20 |website=Tennis Canada}}
At the Miami Open in the doubles competition, partnering with Taylor Townsend, they reached the final where they lost to American No. 1 duo Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula. As a result, she moved up 40 positions to a new career-high of No. 42 in the doubles rankings, and later in beginning of May to No. 36.
At the French Open in singles, she reached the second round but lost to Clara Tauson.{{cite news |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/tennis/article-after-singles-exits-leylah-fernandez-and-bianca-andreescu-still-making/ |title=After singles exits, Leylah Fernandez and Bianca Andreescu still making noise at French Open |newspaper=The Globe and Mail |date=7 June 2023}} At the same tournament, in doubles, she reached her first major doubles final alongside Taylor Townsend.{{cite web |url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/3533247/fernandez-townsend-rout-gauff-pegula-to-reach-french-open-final |title=Fernandez, Townsend rout Gauff, Pegula to reach French Open final}} As a result, she moved into the top 20 in the doubles rankings, on 21 August 2023. At Wimbledon, Fernandez lost in the second round to Garcia in a third-set tiebreak. With Townsend, she again lost to Garcia and her partner Luisa Stefani in the second round of the women's doubles, and partnered with Wesley Koolhof in the mixed doubles, losing in the second round.
Fernandez had mixed results during the US Open swing. She lost to Maria Sakkari in the second round of Washington Open, and scored a win against 11th seed Beatriz Haddad Maia in the second round of the Canadian Open, before losing to Danielle Collins.{{Cite news |last=Rivard |first=Paul |date=10 August 2023 |title=Rivard : The End of the Road for Leylah |work=Tennis Canada |url=https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/rivard-fin-de-parcours-pour-fernandez/}} After failing to qualify for the Cincinnati Open, Fernandez reached the quarterfinals of Tennis in Cleveland. Fernandez was knocked out of the US Open in the first round by Ekaterina Alexandrova,{{Cite news |date=29 August 2023 |title=No Canadians left in U.S. Open singles play as Fernandez, Marino exit in 1st round |work=CBC |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/tennis/leylah-fernandez-marino-us-open-canadians-roundup-1.6950844 |access-date=15 October 2023}} but again with Townsend, reached the quarterfinal of the women's doubles losing to eventual champions, Erin Routliffe and Gabriela Dabrowski.
Fernandez showed better results post US Open swing. She reached her first WTA 1000 singles quarterfinal at the Guadalajara Open, losing there to Sofia Kenin. At the same tournament, she also made the quarterfinals in doubles with Townsend.{{cite web |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/tennis/canadians-guadalajara-open-recap-sept-21-1.6973108 |title=Canada's Fernandez ousted in quarters, Dabrowski reaches doubles semis at Guadalajara Open |website=CBC |date=21 September 2023 |access-date=20 March 2025}}
At the beginning of the Asian swing, Fernandez failed to qualify for the China Open, but won her first title since February 2022 at the Hong Kong Open, defeating Victoria Azarenka, Mirra Andreeva, Linda Fruhvirtová, Anna Blinkova and Kateřina Siniaková.{{cite news |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/tennis/article-canadas-fernandez-through-to-hong-kong-open-final-with-win-over/ |title=Canada's Fernandez wins Hong Kong Open; Dabrowski wins doubles title in Zhengzhou |newspaper=The Globe and Mail |date=15 October 2023}} With her title, she reentered the top 50 at No. 43 for the first time, since she dropped her Roland Garros quarterfinal points in May.{{Cite news |date=15 October 2023 |title=Fernandez beats Siniakova to win Hong Kong, first title of season |work=WTA |url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/3738396/fernandez-beats-siniakova-to-win-hong-kong-first-title-of-season |access-date=15 October 2023}} At the next Asian tournament, the Jiangxi Open, she lost this time to Siniaková in the semifinals. She climbed back to the top 35 in the singles rankings and set a new career-high in doubles of No. 17, on 23 October 2023.
Fernandez led the Canadian team to victory at the 2023 Billie Jean King Cup, winning her four singles matches and one doubles match, and defeating her first top ten opponent (Markéta Vondroušová) since the 2021 US Open.{{cite web |url=https://www.billiejeankingcup.com/en/bjkc/content/canada%202-0%20italy:%20canada%20are%202023%20world%20champions%20-1 |title=Canada 2-0 Italy: Canada crowned 2023 World Champions |last=McLean |first=Ross |publisher=Billie Jean King Cup |date=12 November 2023 |access-date=13 November 2023}} This was Canada's first ever Cup win, immediately hailed as a major moment in the history of Canadian tennis, and Fernandez was widely singled out for praise for her contributions.{{cite web |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/13/sport/billie-jean-king-cup-leylah-fernandez-canada-spt-intl/index.html |title=Billie Jean King Cup: Leylah Fernandez guides Canada to first ever title |last=Grez |first=Matias |publisher=CNN |date=13 November 2023 |access-date=13 November 2023}}{{cite web |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/tennis/tennis-bjk-cup-finals-live-stream-canada-italy-1.7026599 |title=Stakusic, Fernandez power Canada to 1st-ever Billie Jean King Cup title |publisher=CBC Sports |date=12 November 2023 |access-date=13 November 2023}}{{cite web |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/tennis/article-canadas-stakusic-wins-opener-over-italys-trevisan-at-billie-jean-king/ |title=Leylah Fernandez clinches win as Canada tops Italy in Billie Jean King Cup Finals |author=The Canadian Press |newspaper=The Globe & Mail |date=12 November 2023 |access-date=13 November 2023}} She said that the achievement "means the world to me," adding that it "gives me a lot of confidence, but also the group of girls and Canada a lot of confidence." Fernandez won the Heart Award for both the Qualifiers and the Finals, becoming only the second player in history to win the award twice in one season.{{cite web |url=https://www.billiejeankingcup.com/en/bjkc/content/fernandez%20and%20kalinina%20win%202023%20heart%20awards |title=Fernandez and Kalinina win 2023 Heart Awards}}
=2024: WTA 1000 final in doubles and two quarterfinals in singles=
At her home tournament, the Canadian Open in Toronto, she reached the doubles semifinals with her sister Bianca where they lost to Gabriela Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe.{{cite web |url=https://nationalbankopen.com/news/recapitulatif-de-la-journee/2024/cashmere-wrap-anisimova-overcomes-navarro-dabrowski-routliffe-top-fernandez-sisters-reach-toronto-final |title=Cashmere Wrap: Anisimova Overcomes Navarro, Dabrowski and Routliffe Top Fernandez Sisters to Reach Toronto Final |publisher=National Bank Open |accessdate=28 August 2024}} At the next WTA 1000, the Cincinnati Open, she reached the quarterfinals in singles with victories over fourth seed Elena Rybakina, her first win over a top five ranked opponent since her run to the 2021 US Open final,{{cite web |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/wta/article/canadas-leylah-fernandez-upsets-elena-rybakina-advances-at-cincinnati-open/ |title=Canada's Leylah Fernandez upsets Elena Rybakina, advances at Cincinnati Open |date=15 August 2024 |accessdate=16 August 2024}}{{cite web |url=https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/fernandez-saves-match-points-to-shock-rybakina-in-cincinnati/ |title=Fernandez Saves Match Points to Shock Rybakina in Cincinnati |date=15 August 2024 |publisher=Tennis Canada |accessdate=28 August 2024}} and Diana Shnaider.{{cite web |url=https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/fernandez-solves-shnaider-to-reach-cincinnati-quarters/ |title=Fernandez Solves Shnaider to Reach Cincinnati Quarters |date=16 August 2024 |publisher=Tennis Canada |accessdate=28 August 2024}} She lost in the last four to Jessica Pegula.{{cite web |url=https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/fernandez-pegula-doubles-cincinnati-saturday/ |title=Fernandez Reaches Cincinnati Doubles Final; Loses Singles Thriller to Pegula |date=17 August 2024 |publisher=Tennis Canada |accessdate=28 August 2024}} Partnering with Yulia Putintseva, Fernandez reached the final of the doubles at the same event but the pair lost to Asia Muhammad and Erin Routliffe in a champions tie-break decider.{{cite web |url=https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/fernandez-denied-first-wta-1000-title-in-cincinnati-doubles-final/ |title=Fernandez Denied First WTA 1000 Title in Cincinnati Doubles Final |date=19 August 2024 |publisher=Tennis Canada |accessdate=28 August 2024}}
=2025: Australian Open third round, Abu Dhabi quarterfinal=
Seeded 30th, Fernandez reached the third round at the Australian Open with wins over Yuliia Starodubtseva{{cite web |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/tennis/australian-open-january-12-1.7429283 |title=Canada's Leylah Fernandez notches opening round win at Australian Open |publisher=CBC |accessdate=6 February 2025}} and Cristina Bucșa,{{cite web |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/tennis/australian-open-canadians-january-15-1.7431539 |title=Leylah Fernandez reaches 3rd round of Australian Open, Felix Auger-Aliassime ousted |publisher=CBC |accessdate=6 February 2025}} before losing to third seed Coco Gauff.{{cite web |url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/4200335/gauff-bests-fernandez-in-melbourne-seals-historic-8-0-start-to-season |title=Gauff bests Fernandez in Melbourne, seals historic 8-0 start to season |publisher=Women's Tennis Association |accessdate=6 February 2025}}
At the Abu Dhabi Open, she was seeded eighth and overcame lucky loser Moyuka Uchijima{{cite web |url=https://www.tsn.ca/tennis/leylah-annie-fernandez-into-second-round-at-abu-dhabi-open-with-win-over-moyuka-uchijima-1.2246371 |title=Fernandez into second round at Abu Dhabi Open with win over Uchijima |publisher=TSN |accessdate=6 February 2025}} and Lulu Sun{{cite web |url=https://www.tsn.ca/tennis/canada-s-leylah-annie-fernandez-through-to-abu-dhabi-quarterfinals-with-convincing-win-over-lulu-sun-1.2247274 |title=Canada's Fernandez through to Abu Dhabi quarterfinals with convincing win over Sun |publisher=TSN |accessdate=6 February 2025}} to make it through to the quarterfinals, where she lost to Ashlyn Krueger.{{cite web |url=https://www.tsn.ca/tennis/canada-s-leylah-fernandez-falls-to-american-ashlyn-krueger-at-abu-dhabi-open-1.2247741 |title=Canada's Fernandez falls to Krueger at Abu Dhabi Open |publisher=TSN |accessdate=6 February 2025}}
Partnering Lulu Sun, Fernandez was runner-up in the doubles at the WTA 125 Catalonia Open, losing to Bianca Andreescu and Aldila Sutjiadi in the final.{{cite web|url=https://tennisuptodate.com/wta/bianca-andreescu-back-in-the-winners-circle-as-she-claims-doubles-crown-in-spain|title=Bianca Andreescu back in the winners' circle as she claims doubles crown in Spain|publisher=tennisuptodate.com|accessdate=6 May 2025}}
Personal life
Fernandez is a fan of football clubs Real Madrid and Manchester City.{{cite news |url=https://www.thetimes.com/sport/football/article/us-open-small-and-tenacious-leylah-fernandez-has-taken-inspiration-from-pep-guardiola-x539r3nsn |title=US Open: Small and tenacious Leylah Fernandez has taken inspiration from Pep Guardiola |author=Westerby, John |date=11 September 2021 |work=The Times |access-date=12 September 2021 |archive-date=12 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912130333/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/us-open-small-and-tenacious-leylah-fernandez-has-taken-inspiration-from-pep-guardiola-x539r3nsn |url-status=live}}
She speaks fluent English, French and Spanish.{{cite web |url=https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/how-well-do-you-know-your-fed-cup-team/ |title=How Well Do You Know Your Fed Cup Team? |date=11 September 2021 |publisher=Tennis Canada |website=tenniscanada.com |access-date=29 May 2022}} She is studying business at Indiana University East, which has partnership with the Women's Tennis Association and the Women's Tennis Benefits Association that enables players to pursue online bachelor's degrees while competing in tournaments.{{cite web |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/03/03/leylah-fernandez-financial-literacy-morgan-stanley.html |title=Leylah Fernandez urges athletes to become financially literate as soon as possible |date=3 March 2023 |publisher=CNBC |website=cnbc.com |access-date=1 October 2023}}
Charitable work
Fernandez started the Leylah Annie & Family Foundation, a non profit organization dedicated to providing families with a better quality of life through education and sports.{{cite web |url=https://www.leylahanniefoundation.org/ |title=Leylah Annie & Family Foundation |date=15 October 2023 |website=leylahanniefoundation.org |access-date=15 October 2023}}
Endorsements
Fernandez is sponsored by Canadian brand Lululemon for apparel and by French brand Babolat for racquets, currently using the Babolat Pure Aero racquet. In January 2022, she became the first global brand ambassador in tennis for Lululemon. Lululemon replaces her prior apparel sponsor Asics, which she will continue to use for footwear until Lululemon launches its tennis footwear line by the end of 2022.{{Cite web |last=Forbes.com |title=Lululemon Signs Leylah Fernandez, Plans Tennis-Specific Apparel |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/timnewcomb/2022/01/11/lululemon-signs-leylah-fernandez-plans-tennis-apparel-and-footwear/?sh=33acadae5617 |access-date=2022-01-11 |website=Forbes.com}} She is also sponsored by wireless telecommunications company Telcel/Claro, cosmetics company Birchbox, Morgan Stanley, and EasyPost.{{Cite web |last=Tennisfansite.com |title=Brands That Sponsor Leylah Fernandez |url=https://tennisfansite.com/leylah-fernandez-sponsors-brands-ambassador/ |access-date=2020-08-20 |website=Tennisfansite.com}} She also is a brand ambassador for Flair Airlines along with fellow Canadians Eugenie Bouchard and Félix Auger-Aliassime.{{Cite web |last=wingsmagazine.com |title=Leylah Fernandez endorsement deal with Flair Airlines |url=https://www.wingsmagazine.com/leylah-fernandez-endorsement-deal-with-flair-airlines/ |access-date=2021-09-13 |website=wingsmagazine.com |date=13 September 2021}} Additional sponsors include USANA, Microsure, and Cambridge Global Payments.{{Cite web |last=wtatennis.com |title=Player bio |url=https://www.wtatennis.com/players/326735/leylah-fernandez/bio |access-date=2022-01-01 |website=wtatennis.com}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/2180260/cambridge-global-payments-adds-rising-wta-star-leylah-fernandez-as-ambassador |title=Cambridge Global Payments Adds Rising WTA Star Leylah Fernandez as Ambassador}} In January 2022, she became a Google ambassador in Canada for the Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro as well as Gatorade Canada ambassador.{{Cite web |url=https://canada.googleblog.com/2022/01/canadian-tennis-star-leylah-fernandez.html |title=Canadian Tennis Star Leylah Fernandez joins #TeamPixel |date=12 January 2022}}{{cite web |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CYy66cDAU6P/ |title=@leylahanniefernandez on Instagram: "What's keeping me fueled and ready for Tuesday?! You guessed it, I'm thrilled to officially be part of the @GatoradeCanada team. ⚡️Can't wait to hit the court together. #FuelledByG"}}
Career statistics
{{main|Leylah Fernandez career statistics}}
=Grand Slam tournament performance timelines=
{{Performance key|short=yes}}
=Singles=
Current through the 2025 Australian Open.
| class=wikitable style=text-align:center
!Tournament !2018 !2019 !2020 !2021 !2022 !2023 !2024 !2025 !{{Abbr|SR|Strike rate}} !{{Abbr|W–L|Win–loss}} !Win % |
| align=left|Australian Open
|A |A |style=background:#afeeee|1R |style=background:#afeeee|1R |style=background:#afeeee|1R |style=background:#afeeee|2R |style=background:#afeeee|2R |style=background:#afeeee|3R |0 / 6 |4–6 |{{Tennis win percentage|won=4|lost=6|integer=yes}} |
| align=left|French Open
|A |A |style=background:#afeeee|3R |style=background:#afeeee|2R |style=background:#ffebcd|QF |style=background:#afeeee|2R |style=background:#afeeee|3R |style=background:#afeeee|1R |0 / 6 |10–6 |{{Tennis win percentage|won=10|lost=6|integer=yes}} |
| align=left|Wimbledon
|A |A |style=color:#767676|NH |style=background:#afeeee|1R |A |style=background:#afeeee|2R |style=background:#afeeee|2R | |0 / 3 |2–3 |{{Tennis win percentage|won=2|lost=3|integer=yes}} |
| align=left|US Open
|A |A |style=background:#afeeee|2R |style=background:thistle|F |style=background:#afeeee|2R |style=background:#afeeee|1R |style=background:#afeeee|1R | |0 / 5 |8–5 |{{Tennis win percentage|won=8|lost=5|integer=yes}} |
| style=background:#efefef;font-weight:bold
|align=left|Win–loss |0–0 |0–0 |3–3 |7–4 |5–3 |3–4 |4–4 |2–2 |0 / 20 |24–20 |{{Tennis win percentage|won=24|lost=20|integer=yes}} |
=Doubles=
Current through the 2024 US Open.
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! Tournament !2018 !2019 !2020 !2021 !2022 !2023 !2024 !2025 !{{Abbr|SR|Strike rate}}!! {{Abbr|W–L|Win–loss}} !Win % |
| align=left|Australian Open
|A |A |A |style=background:#afeeee|3R |style=background:#afeeee|1R |style=background:#afeeee|1R |A |style=background:#afeeee|3R |0 / 4 |4–4 |{{Tennis win percentage|won=4|lost=4|integer=yes}} |
| align=left|French Open
|A |A |style=background:#afeeee|1R |style=background:#afeeee|3R |style=background:#afeeee|2R |style=background:thistle|F |style=background:#afeeee|3R | |0 / 5 |9–5 |{{Tennis win percentage|won=9|lost=5|integer=yes}} |
| align=left|Wimbledon
|A |A |style=color:#767676|NH |style=background:#afeeee|1R |A |style=background:#afeeee|2R |style=background:#afeeee|3R | |0 / 3 |3–3 |{{Tennis win percentage|won=3|lost=3|integer=yes}} |
| align=left|US Open
|A |A |A |style=background:#afeeee|3R |style=background:#afeeee|2R |style=background:#ffebcd|QF |style=background:#afeeee|1R | |0 / 4 |6–4 |{{Tennis win percentage|won=6|lost=4|integer=yes}} |
| style="background:#efefef;font-weight:bold"
| align="left" |Win–loss |0–0 |0–0 |0–1 |5–4 |2–3 |9–4 |4–3 |2–1 |0 / 16 |22–16 |{{Tennis win percentage|won=22|lost=16|integer=yes}} |
=Grand Slam tournament finals=
==Singles: 1 (runner-up)==
| class="sortable wikitable" |
| Result
!Year !Tournament !Surface !Opponent !class=unsortable|Score |
|---|
| style=background:#ccf
| bgcolor=#ffa07a|Loss |2021 |Hard |{{flagicon|GBR}} Emma Raducanu |
==Doubles: 1 (runner-up)==
| class="sortable wikitable"
!Result !Year !Tournament !Surface !Partner !Opponents !class="unsortable"|Score |
| style="background:#ebc2af;"
|style="background:#ffa07a;"|Loss |2023 |Clay |{{flagicon|USA}} Taylor Townsend |{{flagicon|TPE}} Hsieh Su-wei |6–1, 6–7(5–7), 1–6 |
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{WTA}}
- {{ITF}}
- {{Billie Jean King Cup player|new_id=430d9224-aadd-4934-94b1-d94dfc13cb03|id=800400685}}
- {{Team Canada|leylah-fernandez}}
- {{Olympedia}}
- {{Olympics.com|leylah-annie-fernandez|Leylah Annie Fernandez}}
{{Bobbie Rosenfeld Award}}
{{French Open girls' singles champions}}
{{Top female singles tennis players from the Americas}}
{{Top female doubles tennis players from the Americas}}
{{Top Canadian female singles tennis players}}
{{Top Canadian female doubles tennis players}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Fernandez, Leylah}}
Category:Canadian female tennis players
Category:Sportspeople from Laval, Quebec
Category:Tennis players from Montreal
Category:French Open junior champions
Category:Canadian sportspeople of Filipino descent
Category:Canadian people of Ecuadorian descent
Category:Sportspeople of Ecuadorian descent
Category:Grand Slam (tennis) champions in girls' singles
Category:Tennis players at the 2020 Summer Olympics
Category:Olympic tennis players for Canada